Racing Point confirms Hulkenberg for 70th Anniversary GP

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Nico Hulkenberg will continue to race with Racing Point this weekend at Silverstone after Sergio Perez tested positive once again for COVID-19.

Perez's initial positive test forced the Mexican into a mandatory quarantine last week, and while he completed the isolation period, a second coronavirus test undertaken by the Racing Point driver on Thursday returned another positive result, which means he'll need to isolate for a further ten days, implying that Perez is likely to be ruled out of next week's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

Hulkenberg will therefore remain in Perez's seat, at least for this weekend's second round of racing at Silverstone where the German will hopefully make it to the grid on Sunday after a mechanical issue prevented him from taking part in last weekend's British Grand Prix.

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"I’m excited to get going again with the team at Silverstone," said the Hulk.

"Last weekend, it was a real step into the unknown having been away from the team for a few years – and driving a car I’d never driven before.

"I’ve learned a lot in the last week about the RP20, and I am ready to apply my experiences to this weekend.

"Racing at the same track again makes things a bit easier and the team has done a great job in helping me get up to speed. I think we can fight for points this weekend, which is definitely my goal. I also want to wish Checo all the best in his recovery."

©RacingPoint

Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer added: "Nico did a really strong job last weekend after receiving a last-minute call to drive for us at Silverstone, and he proved why he was an obvious choice to stand in for Checo.

"It was a big shame he couldn’t actually take the start of the race last Sunday, but the all that hard work will prove very useful for this weekend.

"We miss having Checo with us, but we wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back into the team in the near future."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.